IAAPA Press Releases

IAAPA Europe Launches Digital Skills Network

IAAPA Europe Launches Digital Skills Network

(30 June 2015, Brussels, Belgium) - Parks and attractions from across Europe joined the European Commission for the launch of IAAPA Europe’s Digital Skills Network on Tuesday, 30 June 2015 in Brussels.

The event was addressed by Carlo Corazza (Head of Unit for Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries at the European Commission) and was followed by an IAAPA Europe policy conference “Making the Digital Single Market Work for Tourism,” which featured a keynote address from the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Günther H. Oettinger.

The European Commission launched its Digital Single Market communication on the 6th of May of this year, a package of measures to help drive the growth of digital products and services in Europe. The Digital Skills Network is an IAAPA Europe initiative to help enhance the level of digital skills in the parks and attractions industry. The Network brings together professionals within the sector to exchange best practice and expertise. Today’s launch will be followed by regular networking events and the opportunity for professionals to connect online to ensure that they have access to digital expertise and ideas.

Commenting on the launch of the Digital Skills Network, Michael Kreft von Byern, Chair of IAAPA Europe’s Government Relations Committee said: “The European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Günther H. Oettinger, joined us today because parks and attractions are a valued stakeholder for Europe’s politicians as they seek ways to encourage digital economic growth.”

“The Digital Skills Network shows that IAAPA Europe is capable of taking practical steps to make that a reality, by helping its members to develop the skills necessary to get the most out of digital technology”.

Karen Staley Senior Vice President IAAPA Europe added: “Our members value the opportunity to share expertise and learn from their peers in the industry. This is why we have created the Digital Skills Network – a chance for all those involved in digital across every aspect of operations to connect, share and learn”.

The full programme for both the launch of the Digital Skills Network and Making the Digital Single Market Work for Tourism can be downloaded here [hyperlink to the IAAPA Europe website]

About IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently located amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,800 attractions, suppliers, and individual members from more than 90 countries. The association’s global headquarters office is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains a regional office IAAPA Europe in Brussels. IAAPA Europe is the European division of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. It was established in 2008 and is based in Brussels. IAAPA Europe is the voice of the European attractions industry and has well over 1,100 members representing attractions and their suppliers. www.IAAPA.org/europe